U.S. patent number 11,180,208 [Application Number 16/660,570] was granted by the patent office on 2021-11-23 for mobile carrier with interchangeable payloads.
This patent grant is currently assigned to PIAGGIO FAST FORWARD, INC.. The grantee listed for this patent is Piaggio Fast Forward, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mitchell Weiss.
United States Patent |
11,180,208 |
Weiss |
November 23, 2021 |
Mobile carrier with interchangeable payloads
Abstract
A mobile carrier apparatus comprises a chassis, a drive
mechanism supported by the chassis and arranged to drive a
plurality of wheels, a body supported by the chassis and an
internal volume defined within the body, and an opening in the body
that provides access to the internal volume, a rim formed within
the opening and including a support surface configured to receive
and support a removable payload above the chassis. A payload can be
provided that is configured for use with a mobile carrier.
Inventors: |
Weiss; Mitchell (Carlisle,
MA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Piaggio Fast Forward, Inc. |
Boston |
MA |
US |
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Assignee: |
PIAGGIO FAST FORWARD, INC.
(Boston, MA)
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Family
ID: |
1000005950925 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/660,570 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2019 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20200122797 A1 |
Apr 23, 2020 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62749111 |
Oct 22, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D
63/02 (20130101); B62H 1/10 (20130101); B62D
61/00 (20130101); B62K 11/007 (20161101); B62D
37/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B62D
63/02 (20060101); B62H 1/10 (20060101); B62D
37/00 (20060101); B62D 61/00 (20060101); B62K
11/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;280/293 ;414/679
;180/21 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Jan. 9, 2020
issued in corresponding International Application No.
PCT/US/2019/057476. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Seoh; Minnah L
Assistant Examiner: Brittman; Felicia L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Onello & Mello, LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/749,111 entitled Mobile Carrier with
Interchangeable Payloads, filed Oct. 22, 2018, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mobile carrier apparatus, comprising: a chassis; a drive
mechanism supported by the chassis and arranged to drive a
plurality of wheels; a body supported by the chassis and an
internal volume defined within the body; and an opening in the body
that provides access to the internal volume, a rim formed within
the opening and including a support surface configured to receive
and support a removable payload above the chassis, wherein the
removable payload is chosen from a group consisting of a storage
container or a bin, a thermal container, and an entertainment
system.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wheels is two
wheels.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wheels
includes first and second wheels partially encased by the body.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support surface of the rim
extends laterally.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support surface of the rim
is configured to suspend the removable payload within the internal
volume.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support surface of the rim
is disposed below a surface of the body and within the internal
volume.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rim includes a coupling
mechanism configured to removably attach the payload to the rim,
wherein the coupling mechanism includes at least one male and/or
female structure configured to receive at least corresponding
female and/or male structure of the payload.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body includes a power
supply interface configured to receive a power interface of the
payload.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the power supply interface is
accessible from the internal volume.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body includes a
communications interface configured to receive a communications
interface of the payload.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the communications interface
is accessible from the internal volume.
12. A mobile vehicle, including: first and second wheels coupled to
a chassis; a drive mechanism configured to drive at least one of
the first and second wheels; a body supported by the chassis and
defining an internal volume between the first and second wheels; an
opening in the body that provides access to the internal volume, a
rim formed within the opening and including a support surface
configured to receive and support a removable payload above the
chassis; and a lid configured to close the opening in the body,
wherein the lid is configured to seal the opening in the body to
create an airtight and/or watertight enclosure of the internal
volume.
13. The mobile vehicle of claim 12, further comprising a power
interface within the internal volume configured to mate with a
power interface of the removable payload.
14. The mobile vehicle of claim 12, further comprising a
communications interface within the internal volume configured to
mate with a communications interface of the removable payload.
15. A removable payload apparatus for use with a mobile vehicle,
comprising: a three-dimensional payload body; and a support
structure extending from the payload body, wherein the support
structure is configured to engage a support surface of a rim of a
mobile carrier body having an opening and defining an internal
volume configured to receive the payload body, wherein the
removable payload is chosen from a group consisting of a storage
container or a bin, a thermal container, and an entertainment
system.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the support structure
extends outwardly and laterally from a top of the payload body.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the support structure is
substantially flat.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the support structure is a
substantially continuous surface.
19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the payload body and/or
support surface includes a power interface.
20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the power interface is a
power supply interface.
21. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the payload body and/or
support surface includes a communications interface.
22. A mobile carrier apparatus, comprising: a chassis; a drive
mechanism supported by the chassis and arranged to drive a
plurality of wheels; a body supported by the chassis and an
internal volume defined within the body; and an opening in the body
that provides access to the internal volume, a rim formed within
the opening and including a support surface configured to receive
and support a removable payload above the chassis, wherein the rim
includes a coupling mechanism configured to removably attach the
payload to the rim, wherein the coupling mechanism includes at
least one magnet.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the plurality of wheels is
two wheels.
24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the plurality of wheels
includes first and second wheels partially encased by the body.
25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the support surface of the
rim extends laterally.
26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the support surface of the
rim is configured to suspend the removable payload within the
internal volume.
27. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the support surface of the
rim is disposed below a surface of the body and within the internal
volume.
28. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the rim includes a coupling
mechanism configured to removably attach the payload to the rim,
wherein the coupling mechanism includes at least one male and/or
female structure configured to receive at least corresponding
female and/or male structure of the payload.
29. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the removable payload is
chosen from a group consisting of a storage container or a bin, a
thermal container, and an entertainment system.
30. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the body includes a power
supply interface configured to receive a power interface of the
payload.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the power supply interface
is accessible from the internal volume.
32. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the body includes a
communications interface configured to receive a communications
interface of the payload.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the communications interface
is accessible from the internal volume.
34. A mobile carrier apparatus, comprising: a chassis; a drive
mechanism supported by the chassis and arranged to drive a
plurality of wheels; a body supported by the chassis and an
internal volume defined within the body; an opening in the body
that provides access to the internal volume, a rim formed within
the opening and including a support surface configured to receive
and support a removable payload above the chassis; and a lid
configured to close the opening in the body, wherein the lid is
configured to seal the opening in the body to create an airtight
and/or watertight enclosure of the internal volume.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the plurality of wheels is
two wheels.
36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the plurality of wheels
includes first and second wheels partially encased by the body.
37. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the support surface of the
rim extends laterally.
38. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the support surface of the
rim is configured to suspend the removable payload within the
internal volume.
39. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the support surface of the
rim is disposed below a surface of the body and within the internal
volume.
40. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the rim includes a coupling
mechanism configured to removably attach the payload to the rim,
wherein the coupling mechanism includes at least one magnet.
41. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the rim includes a coupling
mechanism configured to removably attach the payload to the rim,
wherein the coupling mechanism includes at least one male and/or
female structure configured to receive at least corresponding
female and/or male structure of the payload.
42. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the removable payload is
chosen from a group consisting of a storage container or a bin, a
thermal container, and an entertainment system.
43. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the body includes a power
supply interface configured to receive a power interface of the
payload.
44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the power supply interface
is accessible from the internal volume.
45. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the body includes a
communications interface configured to receive a communications
interface of the payload.
46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the communications interface
is accessible from the internal volume.
Description
FIELD OF INTEREST
The present description relates generally to vehicles, and more
particularly, but not exclusively, to stabilization systems for
two-wheeled vehicles having axially aligned wheels.
BACKGROUND
A growing number of vehicles and/or robots are becoming available
for the purpose of transporting goods. The typical vehicles and/or
robots use three, four or six wheels to provide propulsion and
steering control during normal operation of the vehicle. Such
vehicles and/or robots rely upon static stability and are designed
for stability in all operating conditions via the location of the
wheels. A separation distance between the wheels in the
longitudinal, or backwards and forward direction, balances out
applied torques due to gravity or inclines. Thus, in the typical
vehicle stability is achieved by implementing an appropriate
separation distance between the wheels in the longitudinal
direction of the vehicle, thereby making the vehicle more resilient
to disruptions along the lateral axis.
However, an issue exists in situations where attempts have been
made to transport goods in two-wheeled vehicle having wheels
located in the lateral, or side-by-side, direction, versus in the
traditional longitudinal direction. The challenge of using the
vehicles having only two wheels mounted in the lateral,
side-by-side configuration is in maintaining dynamic stability of
the vehicle during normal operation.
SUMMARY
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, provided
is a mobile carrier apparatus, comprising a chassis, a drive
mechanism supported by the chassis and arranged to drive a
plurality of wheels, a body supported by the chassis and an
internal volume defined within the body, and an opening in the body
that provides access to the internal volume, a rim formed within
the opening and including a support surface configured to receive
and support a removable payload above the chassis.
In various embodiments, the plurality of wheels is two wheels.
In various embodiments, the plurality of wheels includes first and
second wheels partially encased by the body.
In various embodiments, the support surface of the rim extends
laterally to have a width.
In various embodiments, the support surface of the rim is
substantially flat.
In various embodiments, the support surface of the rim is
substantially continuous.
In various embodiments, the support surface of the rim is
configured to suspend the removable payload within the internal
volume.
In various embodiments, the rim is disposed at a surface of the
body.
In various embodiments, the rim is disposed below a surface of the
body and within the internal volume.
In various embodiments, the rim includes a coupling mechanism
configured to removably attach the payload to the rim.
In various embodiments, the coupling mechanism includes at least
one magnet.
In various embodiments, the coupling mechanism includes at least
one male and/or female structure configured to receive at least
corresponding female and/or male structure of the payload.
In various embodiments, the removable payload is chosen from a
group consisting of storage container or bin a thermal container,
and an entertainment system.
In various embodiments, the body includes a lid configured to close
the opening in the body.
In various embodiments, the lid is configured to seal the opening
in the body to create an airtight and/or watertight enclosure of
the internal volume.
In various embodiments, the body includes a power interface
configured to receive a power interface of the payload.
In various embodiments, the body power interface is accessible from
the internal volume.
In various embodiments, the body power interface is a power supply
interface.
In various embodiments, the payload power interface is a power
supply interface.
In various embodiments, the body includes a communications
interface configured to receive a communications interface of the
payload.
In various embodiments, the body communications interface is
accessible from the internal volume.
In accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts, provided is a
removable payload apparatus for use with a mobile carrier
apparatus, comprising a three-dimensional payload body and a
support structure extending from the payload body, the support
structure configured to engage a support surface of a rim of a
mobile carrier body opening.
In various embodiments, the support surface extending from the
payload body is supported above the chassis when the support
surface is engaged with the support surface of the rim.
In various embodiments, the support structure extends outwardly and
laterally from the payload body.
In various embodiments, the support structure is substantially
flat.
In various embodiments, the support structure is substantially
continuous.
In various embodiments, the support structure and the support
surface are configured to suspend the removable payload within the
internal volume.
In various embodiments, the removable payload is chosen from a
group consisting of storage container or bin a thermal container,
and an entertainment system.
In various embodiments, the payload body does not extend above the
support surface.
In various embodiments, the payload body and/or support surface
includes a power interface.
In various embodiments, the power interface is a power supply
interface.
In various embodiments, the power interface is a power receiving
interface.
In various embodiments, the payload body and/or support surface
includes a communications interface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will become more apparent in view of the
attached drawings and accompanying detailed description. The
embodiments depicted therein are provided by way of example, not by
way of limitation, wherein like reference numerals refer to the
same or similar elements. The drawings are not necessarily to
scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating aspects of
the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a mobile carrier,
in accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the mobile carrier of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mobile carrier of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a first side view of the mobile carrier of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 a second side view of the mobile carrier of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 a top view of the mobile carrier of FIG. 1 with a carrier
lid removed;
FIG. 7 a bottom view of the mobile carrier of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 a first isometric view of an embodiment of a payload that
can be used with the mobile carrier of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of a payload that can be
used with the mobile carrier of FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the payload of FIG. 9; and
FIG. 11 is a front view of the payload of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Various aspects of the inventive concepts will be described more
fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which some exemplary embodiments are shown. The present inventive
concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and
should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set
forth herein.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.
are be used herein to describe various elements, these elements
should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to
distinguish one element from another, but not to imply a required
sequence of elements. For example, a first element can be termed a
second element, and, similarly, a second element can be termed a
first element, without departing from the scope of the present
invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all
combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being
"on" or "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be
directly on or connected or coupled to the other element or
intervening elements can be present. In contrast, when an element
is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly connected" or
"directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening
elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship
between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g.,
"between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly
adjacent," etc.).
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or
"including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated
features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do
not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof.
Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower,"
"above," "upper" and the like may be used to describe an element
and/or feature's relationship to another element(s) and/or
feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be
understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to
encompass different orientations of the device in use and/or
operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements
described as "below" and/or "beneath" other elements or features
would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. The
device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at
other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used
herein interpreted accordingly.
Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to
cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of
idealized exemplary embodiments (and intermediate structures). As
such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result,
for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to
be expected. Thus, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as
limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but
are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from
manufacturing.
To the extent that functional features, operations, and/or steps
are described herein, or otherwise understood to be included within
various embodiments of the inventive concept, such functional
features, operations, and/or steps can be embodied in functional
blocks, units, modules, operations and/or methods. And to the
extent that such functional blocks, units, modules, operations
and/or methods include computer program code, such computer program
code can be stored in a computer readable medium, e.g., such as
non-transitory memory and media, that is executable by at least one
computer processor.
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a mobile carrier
100, in accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts. FIG. 2
is a front view of the mobile carrier 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a
rear view of the mobile carrier 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a first
side view of the mobile carrier 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 a second side
view of the mobile carrier 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 a top view of the
mobile carrier 100 of FIG. 1 with a carrier lid 112 removed. FIG. 7
a bottom view of the mobile carrier 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 a first
isometric view of an embodiment of a payload that can be used with
the mobile carrier 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a side view of an
embodiment of a payload that can be used with the mobile carrier
100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a side view of the payload of FIG. 9. And
FIG. 11 is a front view of the payload of FIG. 9.
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown
in the FIGS. 1-7, provided is a mobile carrier apparatus 100,
comprising a chassis, a drive mechanism supported by the chassis
and arranged to drive a plurality of wheels 120, a body 10
supported by the chassis and an internal volume defined within the
body 10, and an opening in the body 10 that provides access to the
internal volume, a rim 104 formed within the opening and including
a support surface configured to receive and support a removable
payload 700 above the chassis.
In various embodiments, the plurality of wheels 120 is two wheels,
which can include first 25 and second 45 wheels partially encased
by the body 10.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the support surface 155 of the rim 104
can extend laterally to have a width. The support surface of the
rim can be substantially flat and/or substantially continuous. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a removable payload 700 is
positioned in the internal volume. In this embodiment, the support
surface is below a payload support structure 750.
In various embodiments, the support surface of the rim is
configured to suspend the removable payload 700 within the internal
volume. The rim can be disposed at a surface of the body 10, as
shown. In other embodiments, the rim can be disposed below a
surface of the body 10 and within the internal volume.
In some embodiments, the rim can include a coupling mechanism
configured to removably attach the payload to the rim. The coupling
mechanism can include at least one magnet. In other embodiments,
the coupling mechanism can, additionally or alternatively, include
at least one male and/or female structure configured to receive at
least corresponding female and/or male structure of the
payload.
In various embodiments, the removable payload 700 is chosen from a
group consisting of storage container or bin a thermal container,
and an entertainment system. In FIGS. 8-11, the removable payload
can take the form of a bin, which can be a refillable bin.
In various embodiments, the body 10 can include a lid 112
configured to close the opening in the body 10. The lid 112 can be
configured to seal the opening in the body 10 to create an airtight
and/or watertight enclosure of the internal volume. In some
embodiments, the body 10 can include a power interface configured
to receive a power interface of the payload. In various
embodiments, the body power interface is accessible from the
internal volume. In various embodiments, the body power interface
is a power supply interface. In some embodiments, a payload power
interface 720 is a power supply interface.
In various embodiments, the body 10 includes a communications
interface configured to receive a communications interface of the
payload 700. In some embodiments, the body communications interface
is accessible from the internal volume.
In accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts, as shown in
the embodiments of FIGS. 8-11, provided is a removable payload
apparatus 700 for use with a mobile carrier apparatus 100. The
payload 700 can comprise a three-dimensional payload body 710 and a
support structure 750 extending from the payload body 710, the
support structure 750 configured to engage a support surface of a
rim of a mobile carrier body opening. In various embodiments, the
removable payload 700 is chosen from a group consisting of storage
container or bin a thermal container, and an entertainment
system.
In various embodiments, the support structure 750 extending from
the payload body 710 is supported above the chassis when the
support structure 750 is engaged with the support surface of the
rim. In various embodiments, the support structure 750 extends
outwardly and laterally from the payload body 710. In various
embodiments, the support structure 750 is substantially flat. In
various embodiments, the support structure 750 is substantially
continuous. In various embodiments, the support structure 750 and
the support surface are configured to suspend the removable payload
700 within the internal volume.
In some embodiments, the payload comprises one or more handle
mechanisms 740 constructed and arranged to assist a user in
removing the payload 700 from the mobile carrier apparatus 100. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the handle mechanism 740 comprises
two indentations 740a, 740b. In alternative embodiments, the handle
mechanism 740 comprises a handle.
In various embodiments, the payload body 710 does not extend above
the support surface.
In various embodiments, the payload body 710 and/or support surface
includes a power interface 720. In various embodiments, the power
interface 720 is a power supply interface. In various embodiments,
the power interface 720 is a power receiving interface. In various
embodiments, the payload body 710 and/or support surface includes a
communications interface 730.
While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the
best mode and/or other preferred embodiments, it is understood that
various modifications can be made therein and that the invention or
inventions may be implemented in various forms and embodiments, and
that they may be applied in numerous applications, only some of
which have been described herein. It is intended by the following
claims to claim that which is literally described and all
equivalents thereto, including all modifications and variations
that fall within the scope of each claim.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which
are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments,
may also be provide in combination in a single embodiment.
Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for
brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also
be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.
For example, it will be appreciated that all of the features set
out in any of the claims (whether independent or dependent) can
combined in any given way.
* * * * *